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Perfect Juicy Spatchcock Chicken with Crispy Herb & Lemon Crust

A perfectly roasted, golden brown spatchcock chicken seasoned with herbs, resting on a white platter.
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Learn the technique to spatchcock a chicken for faster cooking, maximum juiciness, and incredibly crispy skin using a simple lemon and herb seasoning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using strong kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone, starting from the tail end, until the backbone is removed.
  2. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone until it flattens completely. This is the spatchcocking technique.
  3. Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
  5. Rub the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
  6. Place the flattened chicken, skin-side up, on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle the lemon juice over the top.
  7. Roast in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • To remove the backbone easily, use sharp, heavy-duty kitchen shears.
  • For the crispiest skin, allow the seasoned chicken to sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours before roasting.
  • If you do not have a wire rack, place the chicken directly on a roasting pan, but the skin may not crisp as evenly underneath.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/spatchcock-chicken-easy-juicy-roast-recipe/